Indian Students in UK Get Global Cricket Platform

by R. Suryamurthy June 25, 2026

By R. Suryamurthy June 25, 2026 0 comments 3 minutes read

Courtesy: INSA UK

A new partnership between the Indian National Students Association UK (INSA UK) and Test Twenty is expected to open fresh opportunities for young Indian cricketers studying in Britain, as the innovative cricket format prepares to expand its talent identification program across the United Kingdom.

Under the agreement, INSA UK will serve as the founding educational and youth engagement partner for Test Twenty in the UK, helping connect the competition with university students and young cricketers of Indian origin through its extensive campus network.

The collaboration is expected to provide aspiring players aged 13 to 21 with a direct route into Test Twenty’s global player pool, where organizers plan to scout, develop and showcase emerging talent from diverse backgrounds.

Test Twenty, which has positioned itself as cricket’s first mixed-gender ecosystem for young players, is seeking to redefine traditional pathways into the sport through its unique 80-over format. Each match is played in four innings of 20 overs, with men’s and women’s teams representing the same franchise and contributing to a single result.

Organizers believe the format could appeal to a new generation of cricketers looking for competitive opportunities that combine high-performance cricket with greater gender parity and inclusivity.

Through the partnership, INSA UK is expected to work closely with university cricket clubs, student societies and community networks to identify promising talent. A planned “Bring a Buddy” campaign will also encourage Indian students to introduce friends and teammates from different nationalities and backgrounds to the game, potentially widening the tournament’s talent base.

“The future of sport belongs to young people who think beyond borders,” said Gaurav Bahirvani, founder and chairman of Parity Sports, the company behind Test Twenty. He said the partnership would help the organization engage with students and young cricketers in one of the world’s most important cricket markets while building a broader international community around the format.

INSA UK President Amit Tiwari said the organization sees Test Twenty as an opportunity to strengthen community engagement among students while introducing an innovative version of the sport to new audiences.

The partnership comes as cricket prepares for its return to the Olympic program at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, a development expected to increase interest in talent development pathways worldwide. Against that backdrop, organizers believe Test Twenty could emerge as an additional platform for young players seeking visibility, competitive experience and international exposure.

With registrations for UK player trials now open, both organizations are expected to focus on expanding participation among students and young cricketers over the coming months. If successful, the initiative could help create a new bridge between university cricket, grassroots development and international opportunities for the next generation of players.